He has discovered and described two new grass genera and more than thirty six species new to Science, most of which belong to the grass family poaceae. Dr. Nair has authored/edited 4 books and published over 100 research papers in reputed International and National scientific Journals. He has successfully guided seven students for their Ph. D. Degree.

He has been arduously helping botanists and others in the country in identifying grass specimens, and importantly, at present, he is one of the few taxonomists in India conversant with botanical Latin and helps all botanists with Latin translation of diagnosis of newly discovered species. So far he has provided Latin translation for 1500 species/varieties.

Taxonomy is the science of identification, classification and naming of organisms. Taxonomic work involves study of morphological characteristics and phylogenetic relationship of organisms which is essential for applied biological sciences including which is essential for applied biological sciences including medicine, agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Current requirements of taxonomic work and available expertise and studies indicate a dire need to encourage excellence and motivate experts to do work in hitherto neglected groups of organisms e.g. microbes, lower groups of plants, animals, etc. The challenge is quite serious because while on the one hand the existing expertise is ageing and retiring, on the other not many young scholars are opting for studies in taxonomy.

In order to encourage work of excellence in taxonomy and also to encourage young students and scholars to work in this science, the Ministry has instituted a National Award in Taxonomy, named after the late Prof. E.K. Janki Ammal. The award has been approved by the Minister of Environment and Forests, Prime Minister and the President of India. Late Prof. Janaki Ammal did taxonomic work of outstanding merit and excellence particularly in the area of cytotaxonomy and was a source of inspiration to many young scientists. She devoted her entire life to taxonomic work. She was associated with the Botanical Survey of India also in the capacity of Director, Central Botanical Laboratory, BSI, and Allahabad.

This award carries a cash prize, medallion and a citation. It has been decided to have two awards one each for Plant Taxonomy and Animal Taxonomy w.e.f. the year 2005.